People with dogs have been urged to try these methods as Google searches for ‘dog dehydration’ are said to be up 144% over the past month alone
Dog owners are being encourged to try this method to help their four-legged furry pals stay healthy and hydrated this winter.
- Veterinary experts are warning dog owners that their pets may drink less water when the weather gets cold. This happens because cooler temperatures mean dogs lose less fluid and simply do not feel as thirsty as they do in the summer.
- Dogs conserve moisture more efficiently in winter as they do not pant or sweat as much when it is cold. However, hydration is still important for helping them regulate their body temperature and keep their digestive system working properly.
- To encourage your dog to stay hydrated, try giving them lukewarm or room-temperature water. This may seem more appealing in the winter months.
- Switching to wet dog food is another great idea. This is good because it contains much more moisture than the dry alternative.
- The experts further suggest placing extra water bowls around your home so that water is always close by for your dog. You could also try using a pet water fountain or water-filled interactive toys to make drinking water more fun for them.
- Owners must also be aware of other winter dangers, such as the increased risk of road accidents when the nights draw in early. Vehicles sadly kill around 80,000 dogs each year, so owners need to ‘stay alert’ during the dark evenings.
- Finally, you should be careful about walking your dog when the temperature is extremely low. All dogs handle cold weather differently, and some breeds can struggle significantly even with a small drop in temperature.
- If your dog shows a strong lack of interest, and enrichment activities don’t help, the experts urge people to consider visiting their vet to see if there’s something wrong and identify the root cause.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE: Vet issues warning to dog owners who give their pets tap water
